We meet the second Monday of each month (please note
exceptions), September through June, at Center
Congregational Church, 11 Center Street, Manchester, CT.
Meetings begin at 7:00 pm (doors open 6:45 pm). Parking is
next door behind the Manchester Town Hall. We welcome guest attendance.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
Bonsai Basics: Illusion vs.
Reality
Todd Hansen will be discussing design and
horticultural techniques in an engaging look into plants in
extreme containers. Todd has been a guest lecturer on Bonsai
at the Connecticut Flower Show, is the past President of the
Bonsai Society of Greater Hartford, and has formal Bonsai
training and years of dedicated independent study with
Bonsai masters from around the world. He says anyone that
can grow a houseplant can grow a Bonsai….you just need a
little more information.
OCTOBER 16, 2017
Holiday
Magic
Gary Zinsmeyer will show the latest trends and tricks and magic for the holiday
season, using new materials and containers and mechanics. The arrangements will
feature this year’s color trend colors and combinations, and Gary will use some
very special containers. Gary is a graduate of Cornell University's School of
Life Sciences and Agriculture and has been designing floral arrangements for
over 30 years. Gary runs his own business, Gary Z's of Stamford, and in
addition to designing, enjoys teaching and educating on a range of topics.
NOVEMBER 13, 2017
Compost
Happens
Carol Quish covers
the hows and whys of making composting including the
scientific reasons. Basics, practical advice and
troubleshooting compost pile problems will be covered. Carol
is a horticulturist at the UConn Home and Garden Education
Center. She provides plant disease diagnosis and insect
identification, and answers plant and pest questions via a
toll free phone line, email, and in person. Carol has a
degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Turfgrass Management
from UConn. Her certifications include Advanced Master
Garden, Master Composter, and CT Nursery and Landscape
Association Professional.
DECEMBER 11, 2017
Holiday Party
JANUARY 8, 2018
Sustainable Landscaping
Judith Dreyer, MS, BSN will discuss how to decrease lawn and
create edible landscapes while conserving water, soil, and
improving biodiversity. Judith is a Master Gardener and
teacher with more than 20 years experience developing
workshops and classes, speaking and writing about holistic
health, edible and medicinal plants, dreams, and more. She
has degrees in nursing and nutrition science, and has taught
holistic health studies and nutrition science at both
university and college levels. As a Master Gardener, Judith
gives talks on wild edible and medicinal plants, landscape
sustainability, and creating meadows throughout the East
coast.
FEBRUARY 12, 2018
Cacti and Succulents for Connecticut Homes
Dr. Matthew Opel will bring a diverse collection of living cacti and
succulents, suitable for windowsill cultivation, and discuss
water, light, soil and fertilizer needs. The focus will be on plants that are suitable for
those just starting out in the C&S hobby, but there will be
exotic oddities to see, as well. Matt will also
bring examples of succulents that are
winter-hardy in our area, assuming he can chip the pots out
of the snow and ice. Matt studied biology and botany at
Cornell University. He received a doctorate from the
University of Connecticut after completing studies of the
genus Conophytum. Matt is a horticulturist at the University
of Connecticut, at the Biodiversity Education and Research
Greenhouses. He has published articles about South African
desert plants and given lectures on botanical topics to
plant societies throughout the Northeast and in California.
MARCH 12, 2018
Victorious Vegetables!
Michael A. Russo is the owner, "farmer- florist " and
creative force behind Trout Lily Farm. Recently retired
from 33 years in a career as an art educator, Michael is
also a certified
CT Master
Gardener. As a long time member of
CTNOFA (Northeast
Organic Farmers Association), he is a conscientious grower
and maintains a "green" perspective when designing for his
clients or growing wholesome produce for his customers.
Michael is always looking ahead to what’s next in the floral
and organic food universe and is excited about sharing his
ideas, designs and concepts with you.
APRIL 9, 2018
Create Butterfly and Bird Habitats in Your Own Backyard!
Lisa Turoczi co-owner of Earth Tones, LLC, Native
Plant Nursery and Landscapes in Woodbury, Connecticut will
discuss how to create a backyard oasis for our beloved
winged creatures.
There are few "wild" places left in New England, most of which have been manipulated over time, resulting in a
decline in the natural balance of our ecosystems. Birds and butterflies, however, rely heavily on the native plants. By
learning how to observe the natural world around us, we can begin to understand the important dynamics native plants play
in their ecoregions. We will explore the native plants that provide the most food, and shelter for the birds and butterflies throughout the season!
MAY 14, 2018
Making Peace with Bees
Kathy Olson will discuss typical bee-havior
patterns, habits, and the current problem of CCD (colony
collapse disorder). A tasting of honey samples will follow
the discussion. Learn about the industrious little honey
bees, bumblebees, and carnivorous bees: their anatomy,
lifestyles, and additional interesting facts. Deceased bees,
charts, and other visual materials will help you understand
and respect bees. Apitherapy, based on raw honey, will be
introduced. Kathy is a former teacher now known as the "Bee
Lady." A member of
Connecticut
Beekeepers Association, Kathy has taught Connecticut
residents from pre-school age to senior citizens about bees,
pollination, food sources and honey.
JUNE 11, 2018
Members'
Year-End Party